Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in History and Archaeology

The Bachelor of Arts in History and Archaeology is a four-year degree programme that combines the study of human history with archaeological methods and fieldwork.

The curriculum covers African history, Kenyan history, archaeological theory and methods, field archaeology, museum studies, cultural heritage management, prehistoric archaeology, historical archaeology, African archaeology, oral history, historiography, research methods, and IT applications in history and archaeology.

Students develop competencies in archaeological fieldwork, excavation techniques, artefact analysis, historical research, source criticism, museum curation, cultural resource management, GIS for archaeology, and academic writing. The programme combines classroom instruction with field schools, laboratory sessions, and museum visits.

Graduates pursue careers as archaeologists, museum curators, heritage officers, researchers, teachers, cultural resource managers, and consultants. They find employment in the National Museums of Kenya, Kenya National Archives, county governments, universities, research institutions, NGOs, and private cultural resource management firms.

The programme is offered at Maseno University (with IT integration, KUCCPS code 1229523) and Pwani University. Maseno University charges KSH 122,400 per year, while Pwani University charges KSH 116,280 per year.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in History and Government, following KUCCPS cluster 14 requirements for History, Archaeology and Related programmes.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 199,200
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

African History
Archaeological Theory and Methods
Field Archaeology
Museum Studies
Cultural Heritage Management
Prehistoric Archaeology
African Archaeology
Historiography
Research Methods
IT Applications in Archaeology

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to African History to 1884
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Survey of African history from pre-colonial societies to the eve of European colonisation.
Introduction to Archaeology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and principles of archaeology, including archaeological theory and methods.
African History since 1884
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of African history from colonisation through independence to contemporary developments.
Prehistoric Archaeology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of human prehistory, including stone age cultures, early hominids, and prehistoric technology in Africa.
History of Kenya
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Detailed study of Kenyan history from pre-colonial societies through colonialism to independence.
Field Archaeology Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical methods for archaeological fieldwork, including survey, excavation, recording, and sampling techniques.
African Archaeology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of archaeological sites and material culture across Africa, with emphasis on East African archaeology.
Museum Studies
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of museum management, collections care, exhibition design, and public education.
Historiography and Research Methods
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Historical research methods, historiographical traditions, and archaeological research design.
Cultural Heritage Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Management of cultural heritage sites, conservation principles, and heritage legislation in Kenya.
Historical Archaeology
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Archaeological study of periods with written records, combining documentary and material evidence.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project involving original historical or archaeological research, fieldwork, and a written dissertation.

Specialisations

African Archaeology
Study of African archaeological sites, material culture, and prehistoric to historic periods across the continent.
Historical Archaeology
Archaeological study of periods with written records, combining documentary and material evidence. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Museum and Heritage Studies
Management of museum collections, cultural heritage sites, and public engagement with archaeological findings.
African History
Study of African political, economic, and social history from pre-colonial to post-independence periods.
Field Archaeology
Practical skills in archaeological survey, excavation, recording, and post-excavation analysis. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines historical study with archaeological methods. Morning sessions cover African history, archaeological theory, or historiography, while afternoons focus on laboratory work, artefact analysis, or field practicals. Students handle archaeological materials, practise excavation techniques in field schools, and visit museums and heritage sites. The IT component includes database management, GIS mapping, and digital archiving. Field trips to archaeological sites such as Koobi Fora, Fort Jesus, or local sites are integral to the programme.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's rich archaeological heritage, including World Heritage Sites, creates unique career opportunities.
IT integration enhances digital archiving, GIS, and database management skills.
Small class sizes enable personalised instruction and hands-on fieldwork experience.
Programme combines history and archaeology, providing versatile career skills.

Against it

Programme is offered at only two universities, limiting institutional choice.
Job market demand is low compared to more applied degree programmes.
Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require travel to remote sites.
Career advancement often requires postgraduate qualifications.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 199k

105k at Mount Kenya University199k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN BA 189,004/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105,000/yr, Daystar 199,200/yr (official).

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Some archaeological research organisations offer fieldwork stipends.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at respective universities.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with two principal passes; OR Diploma in History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or related field from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, artefact analysis reports, and seminar presentations during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering historical content, archaeological theory, and methods.
Field School Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of archaeological fieldwork performance, including excavation technique, recording, and site report.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original historical or archaeological research and a written dissertation.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Archaeological Assistant
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Assists in archaeological excavations, site surveys, and post-excavation analysis for research institutions or museums.
Museum Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 75,000
Works in museums managing collections, developing exhibitions, and providing educational programmes.
Heritage Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Manages cultural heritage sites and programmes for government or cultural organisations.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Conducts historical and archaeological research for universities, museums, or research institutions.
History Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches history at secondary schools, requiring a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or BEd qualification.
Cultural Resource Consultant
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides cultural resource management consulting for construction projects, Environmental Impact Assessments, and heritage compliance.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as archaeologists, museum curators, heritage officers, and researchers. Demand is low but specialised, with opportunities in heritage management and research.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
GIS software for archaeological site mapping, spatial analysis, and cultural resource management.
QGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for archaeological survey mapping and spatial data analysis.
EndNote
Reference management
Reference management software for organising sources and citations in historical research.
Microsoft Access
Database
Database software for managing archaeological collections and artefact catalogues.
SPSS
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis software for quantitative archaeological and historical research.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Archaeology is just about digging up old things.
The programme involves rigorous scientific methods, theoretical analysis, cultural heritage management, and historical interpretation of material culture.
History and Archaeology graduates can only work in museums.
Graduates work in diverse fields including research, heritage management, teaching, cultural resource management, and international organisations.
Archaeology is not relevant in modern Kenya.
Kenya's rich archaeological heritage, including World Heritage Sites, requires trained professionals for management, research, and tourism development.
The programme is purely theoretical.
Students participate in field schools, excavations, laboratory analysis, and museum practicals, gaining hands-on archaeological experience.